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    domtheboyo's Avatar
    domtheboyo Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Mar 31, 2008, 02:02 PM
    Outdoor Spa
    Hi,

    I spent a good few dollars on a spa and to save money asked for a 110V one so I could simply plug it into my GFDI Outlet outside.

    Needless to say - it takes 24hrs to heat up and the jets are lame!

    Anyway, I asked Spa company about upgrading to 220v - what would I need to do?
    They advised, get 220v outlet put outside and have the pumps in the spa changed. The spa can operate on either 110/220 so no need to change the electric system in the spa itself.

    So I got the electrician in to supply the 220v to the spa but the plug won't fit because it's a 110v plug. My questions is:

    1). Can I simply change the 'pigtail' to a 220v?
    2). Do I need a surge protection plug like I seem to have on it at the moment or will a regular plug work? It has it's own breaker etc in the box outside...
    3). Do I really need to change the pumps or can I risk trying the spa on the 220v as it is?

    Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

    Regards,

    Dom
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
     
    #2

    Apr 1, 2008, 07:59 AM
    OK, so let me understand this, you employed an electrician to run 240 VAC to an WP outlet or box, but then you did not let him finish the work?

    At this point in time, you need an outlet that is rated for 240 VAC and the correct amperage. Then you need to get a line cord for the Spa and remove the 120VAC cord and install a 240VAC cord with a matching plug set to the outlet receptacle.

    Do your installation instructions tell you how to change the cord and remake the connections for 240VAC on the spa?

    Before you do anything else, make sure you open the breaker that is serving this branch circuit. Verify that it is a 240 VAC breaker and the get the amperage off the breaker. Compare that to the installation instructions to make sure that you are getting the required amperage for a 240 VAC connection.

    If you do not know what you are doing, 240 VAC can be a widow maker, so I suggest that you call the electrician back and have him finish the job for you.

    Also, is the outlet protected with a GFCI breaker?

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